Russian Foreign Ministry on Hariri Anniversary: An Irreplaceable Loss for Lebanon

The Russian Foreign Ministry, on the anniversary of the assassination of President Rafik Hariri, emphasized that "the assassination of one of the most esteemed figures in Lebanese modern history remains an irreplaceable loss for Lebanon and its friends around the world." In a statement, it noted: "On February 14, we mark the 18th anniversary of the assassination of the great national figure, prominent politician, and friend of Russia, Rafik Hariri, along with several of his companions, in a vile terrorist act in Beirut." It concluded: "Rafik Hariri played a significant role in reaching the Taif Agreement, which put an end to the bloody and devastating civil war in Lebanon from 1975 to 1990. As a devoted patriot, he dedicated all his efforts and energies to the cause of rebuilding the country after the war. He visited Russia several times and made a personal effort to enhance and develop Russian-Lebanese friendship relations."